Whether we are aware of it or not, we make decisions all day long. Most of them are small like what we will wear, what we will eat, or what we read during our commute to work. These decisions may seem inconsequential at the moment, but cumulatively, they can have huge impacts on our lives and careers in the long run. For example, what we wear to work one day may not seem important, but over time, our style of dress becomes part of our image and personal brand. Reading an article about your industry during your 30-minute commute one morning may not have a huge impact on your career, but reading a new industry article every day can give you unique insights and help you develop expertise that can give you an edge at work.
Making good decisions requires us to have a process in place that helps us consider our options. As Christian women who continuously balance faith, life and work, seeking God’s direction when we make decisions is all the more important. Here are some steps you can take to help you make good decisions:
Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
Good decisions start with wisdom and discernment. As humans, we tend to try to figure things out on our own. We start to stress, strategize, and manipulate. But in Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible tells us to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding; in all our ways we should submit to Him, and He will make our paths straight. Submitting to God means that we rely on Him because we know that His way is the best way. We should, therefore, seek guidance from the Lord.
How do we do that? We pray. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Count the Cost
When we make decisions, we need to count the cost. We count the cost by considering the potential outcomes of all the options before us. As we play out the possible scenarios, we can better determine what is at stake and we can ask ourselves whether we are willing to pay the price for each option.
Luke 14:28-30 says, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
This scripture really packs a punch. Not only does it tell us that counting the cost of our decisions is important, but it also suggests that our credibility is on the line. So, our decision-making process is a reflection of our character and a measure of our integrity. Now, consider the impact of these two principles on our careers and personal lives.
What are the towers that you’re trying to build in your life? Are you working to build a better future for your family? Are you trying to build a foundation at work for a future promotion? Or maybe you’re trying to build a tower of faith — you want to grow in your walk with the Lord. Whatever tower you’re building, remember that others are watching. Count the cost before you begin to build. Your credibility is on the line.
Seek Wise Counsel
As Christian women seeking to make good decisions, we shouldn’t make them in a vacuum. In addition to praying for God’s wisdom and counting the cost, seeking wise counsel is another good step towards making sound decisions. As the Bible says in Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed”. Our primary adviser is God, so turning to the Bible for direction goes hand-in-hand with our prayers.
There are some areas where the Bible offers clear guidance. For example, let’s say there’s a man that you’re very attracted to who keeps asking you out on a date. But, he’s a married man. The Bible makes it very clear—your decision there should be to turn away. God does not condone adultery. Then there are subjects that the Bible does not speak to. For instance, what if you’re considering relocating for a job opportunity? Since the Bible does not offer clear guidance in this area, finding a mature Christian who is wise and can pray with you is a good next step.
Our lives are shaped by the decisions we make. Let’s put God first in how we approach the decision-making process by praying for wisdom, counting the cost, and seeking wise counsel.
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